Finding family time can often be difficult. Each member often goes in different directions, whether due to work, school, or other activities. While it’s good for social interactions, families are missing out on internal connections that foster emotional support, mental well-being, and the ability to create lasting memories. While bigger excursions like vacations can be a great option, there are plenty of other ways to bond within a family that are simple and cost-effective. Learn more here.
Game nights are a great place to start. It doesn’t matter if it’s a board game, card game, or video game; playing each of them will prompt laughter, friendly competition, and shared memories for years to come. According to experts, family game nights improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. They can also teach life skills needed in everyday life, like sharing, taking turns, and cooperation. No matter how many nights you decide to play, rotate the games so everyone gets an opportunity to choose.
Cooking a meal and then eating it together is huge. While many families nowadays eat separately and at different times, there are benefits to cooking and eating together. Preparing the food together allows children to learn how to cook and communicate in the kitchen. Children may also learn how to measure properly and gain confidence in cooking for themselves and others in the future. Plus, sharing the meal leads to healthier eating habits and has even been linked to better academic performance and reduced stress. The best part? Taking out screens during this time, so you truly get face-to-face interactions throughout the whole meal.
If you want to get out in the community while still being a family unit, consider volunteering. It fosters compassion and a shared sense of purpose, often creating lasting memories for those who participate. Families who decide to volunteer together often gain stronger empathy and a greater appreciation for one another. Examples of volunteering include food banks, park cleanups, fundraisers, road cleanups, and more.
Want something more personalized? Create a family tradition. It can be as easy as a pancake breakfast every Sunday and writing holiday cards together, or as elaborate as a planned yearly camping trip. These traditions help build identity within a family and provide a predictable framework that family members can look forward to. Or, maybe a weekly game night is your family tradition, tying two strategies together.
Technology dominates our lives, so instilling periods of no technology is a great way to unplug and just be with your family. This can be as simple as at the dinner table or an hour before bedtime. Just finding a time is the most important thing, as it can help improve communication and presence in each other’s lives. There is a better chance of creating deeper connections and not being distracted by the newest videos on TikTok.
Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air with your family. Not only does this foster conversation and exploration, but it also provides physical activity and fresh air to each individual. Some fun activities for families outside are family hikes, park visits, or backyard picnics. Being outside boosts mental and physical health, and it is another way to separate from technology.
If your children enjoy bedtime stories, perhaps expand on this idea a little bit by sharing stories all together. It doesn’t have to be from a book. Members can share childhood memories, cultural traditions, or recent experiences. The main point of the activity is to allow each family member to be heard and express themselves. That way, connections between siblings or a parent to a sibling can grow stronger.
Lastly, try practicing gratitude together. It doesn’t have to be every day, or even every week, but taking the time to share things each member is grateful for allows for an appreciative and emotional atmosphere. Family members can thrive and adopt a positive outlook for the upcoming day or week.
In conclusion, you don’t need to have an elaborate or expensive plan to get the family together. The most important part is being together, being consistent, and having the willingness to engage in a group activity. It doesn’t matter if you use all of these skills above or just one; families can find their own happy medium to create lasting bonds that continue even when the kids are out of the house.